Tune into last week's WHTC Talk of the Town episode where our very own Assistant Director of Food Access, Chara Bouma-Prediger, and Annual Funds Manager Shanna Van Kempen speak on all of the events taking place this weekend during Holland's Hunger Awareness, and how you can get involved!
The Stamp Out Hunger Food Drive, led by the National Association of Letter Carriers, is coming up on Saturday, May 16!
Community members are invited to place non-perishable food donations by their mailbox before 9:00 am on May 16. Postal workers will collect the donations, which will then be distributed to local food access organizations including Community Action House, Gateway Mission, Salvation Army, and Resilience.
Learn more by watching a recent feature on WOOD TV 8 here!
In the latest West Coast Way May/June edition, Community Action House was featured for our new affordable housing partnership with Dwelling Place, Hope Church, the City of Holland, and the Little River Band of Ottawa Indians. Together, we’re bringing 52 units of urgently needed affordable rental housing to our community—creating more opportunities for neighbors to find safe places to call home.
A stable home acts as both a landing place and a launch pad. When neighbors have stable housing, they’re better positioned to focus on their health, finances, relationships, and future goals. This project represents what’s possible when communities come together to create lasting solutions. Read the full article on page 14.
Community Action House is proud to be part of the growing Food Club Network, a collaborative movement helping communities across Michigan reimagine food access through dignity, choice, and connection. As highlighted in the recent Food Bank News article, the Food Club model is gaining national attention for moving beyond traditional food pantry systems and creating grocery-style environments where families can access fresh, healthy food in a welcoming, empowering way.
Learn more about how Food Clubs help build stronger, healthier communities by reading the full article from Food Bank News here!
Did you know? Our Neighbors Fore Neighbors Golf Classic is our single largest fundraising event each year—bringing together neighbors like you to fuel the work of Community Action House!
Grab three friends, coworkers, or family members and join us on Thursday, June 11 at The Ravines Golf Club in Saugatuck. Choose your tee time—AM (8 AM – 1 PM) or PM (1:30 PM – 6:30 PM)—and enjoy a great day of golf, connection, food, and fun.
Whether you’re a seasoned golfer or just in it to power our mission, this is a simple way to show up for community, together. Gather your foursome and register your team today!
Need more information as you consider joining? Reach out to Ricardo at rvaldez@communityactionhouse.org with any questions!
Years ago, Karin traveled across the United States and abroad, sharing her expertise in the pharmaceutical industry. But since 2020, finding work in her field has been a challenge. Despite her high level of experience, the current job market has made it difficult to secure employment. As she searched for her next opportunity, Karin struggled to make ends meet.
Last year, Karin became a Food Club member, gaining access to fresh, affordable, healthy food. She was glad to come to a place where she felt welcomed and supported during a difficult season. Living alone, Karin was also looking for connection. She began attending Healthy@Home classes, sharing, “I love cooking, but I don’t often cook for myself since it’s just me.” Each week these classes became something Karin looked forward to, and a reason to cook for herself again.
Today, Karin is cooking more often, using recipes she’s learned and ingredients she chooses at Food Club. She also connected with our Financial Wellness team to build a budget, learn strategies to catch up on her mortgage, and file taxes with our VITA program. Karin is also working with our partners at Michigan Works! to find secure employment.
Karin is grateful to have found community and care at Food Club. She believes that “Food brings people together,” and she lives out that value by bringing fresh vegetables from her garden to share with fellow Healthy@Home participants. We're grateful for neighbors like Karin who choose to be part of our Food Club community, and we’re glad to provide the support and partnership she needs to build a brighter future!
Several years ago, Jenna* met our team when she was living outdoors. Working together, Jenna and our team navigated the complex web of resources that helped her qualify for a Housing Choice Voucher, and ultimately find stable housing in 2023!
But last year, Jenna faced another challenge. Her apartment needed critical updates to remain livable, and she was unable to quickly find another safe option. With no other immediate housing, she began sleeping in her car. In that moment between challenge and crisis, Jenna knew exactly where to turn. She reconnected with our team, and once again, we walked alongside her. Together, we were able to ensure she retained her original voucher and began the search for a new, safe home.
A local landlord reached out to our team about an upcoming rental opening, and they were willing to accept vouchers. It was an opportunity that doesn’t come along often, and Jenna applied right away. Soon after, Jenna got the keys to her new home! Jenna expressed how grateful she was for our team’s support, and shared that it was comforting to work with the same Outreach Specialist this time around as she did three years ago. She felt known and safe with our team, and she trusted that we would support her and encourage her. Because of that, Jenna’s moving forward with hope.
*Name and photo changed for privacy
Last month we had the joy of celebrating Shirley’s 95th birthday! Shirley joined our team of Community Kitchen volunteers in 2000, and is one of our longest-standing volunteers. She first learned about Community Action House through her church when they adopted a shift at the Community Kitchen. When our chef was looking for someone to help on a weekly basis, Shirley stepped in and she’s been faithfully serving ever since.
Shirley shared that the reason she keeps coming back year after year is because she wants to “do something worthwhile” with her time and help others while she can. She especially enjoys getting to know our guests and greeting them by name, creating a space where our neighbors feel known and welcomed.
Every day, dedicated volunteers like Shirley show up with warmth, generosity, and a commitment to making all our neighbors feel welcome at the Community Kitchen. We’re so grateful to celebrate Shirley on her special day and the care she brings to every shift!
We recently wrapped up our 2026 VITA (Volunteer Income Tax Assistance) season! Each year, a team of highly trained and dedicated volunteers works alongside our Financial Wellness team to offer free tax preparation assistance for qualifying neighbors.
When Charlotte* sat down with our VITA team, we discovered that she owed over $20,000. She had filed her taxes incorrectly several years ago, and connecting with our team helped her get the support she needed to identify the issue, gather documents, and complete the paperwork needed to correct her previous taxes and file this year’s taxes accurately. With these steps taken, Charlotte no longer owes $20,000, and expects several thousand dollars back from her 2025 return—giving her the financial cushion she needs to catch her breath and begin taking steps toward a stronger financial future!
This year VITA volunteers prepared taxes for 605 families just like Charlotte’s, which brought more than $1.2 million back into our community (our biggest year ever!). We are so grateful for VITA volunteers, their expertise, and their deep compassion for our neighbors—thank you for helping us create a stronger community, one tax return at a time!
*Name and photo changed for privacy
For years our friends at Haworth have helped nourish our neighbors in a fun, hands-on way. Last year, through their staff-run vegetable garden, they donated more than a hundred pounds of fresh produce to our Food Club, bringing healthy, vibrant options to the shelves for the 1,500+ families we serve each week. We love seeing our partners find creative ways to work together to build a stronger, healthier community!
Want to dig in, enjoy the sunshine, and help nourish our neighbors? Consider growing a garden of your own this summer and planting a little extra to share! The vegetables your family loves are the same ones our neighbors are excited to explore new recipes with, strengthen their cooking skills, and learn how to make nutritious meals together at home. Together, these small acts of sharing are growing into health, hope, and stability for all our neighbors!
Hundreds of neighbors joined us for the Grand Opening of our new Resale North location last month! Together, we celebrated the hope, health, and stability made possible when we show up together through Resale.
Expanding our Resale network with this second store will more than double the funding Resale provides for Action House programs! This expansion, in partnership with continued generosity from our community, allows us to equip neighbors with the essentials they need today, while building financial resilience that ensures we can keep showing up for decades to come.
Weren’t able to join for the Grand Opening? You can still help us start off our new location strong:
Donate – Your gently used items get a second life—providing essentials for neighbors and generating the funding that keeps our programs strong.
Shop – Every purchase stretches your dollar and fuels ours. If you shopped with us during our Grand Opening weekend, be sure to use the coupon you received before May 9!
Volunteer – Share your time and skills to help us keep our store running strong.
Our original Southside Resale Store location is now undergoing extensive renovations, and we're looking forward to a grand re-opening later this summer for Resale South. Stay tuned!
As we gear up to reopen our Resale South location, we’re looking to expand our dedicated team of Resale staff members! Interviews will begin soon with official start dates in July. Interested or know someone who would be a great fit? Express your interest here!
We had an incredible time at VolBASH last month! Each year, we gather to celebrate our volunteers and all the ways they nourish, equip, and empower our neighbors. More than 3,000 individuals give their time and talents to support our programs, contributing over $2.1 million in impact annually. Because of them, thousands of neighbors receive the support they need to thrive.
We’re so grateful to Comcast, our presenting sponsor, and the MillerKnoll Foundation, our Neighborhood Advocate sponsor, for making this celebration possible! Check out all the fun we had, and explore our photo gallery from the night here.
Looking to turn your Compassion into Action? Join our team of dedicated volunteers!
At Community Action House, we know that a thriving community is one where all our neighbors are supported, celebrated, and equally valued. This month, we’re celebrating our friends at the West Michigan Asian American Association and their work to make this possible in our community!
Shop with us at the Resale Store throughout the month of May, and 10% of store profits will support the West Michigan Asian American Association's efforts that help Asian Americans access resources, improve their skills, and establish their own business and overall wellbeing. Learn more about their efforts at westmichiganaaa.org.
At Action House, we're proud to serve and celebrate all of our neighbors. We strive to build a culture, within our organization and our broader community, where all of our neighbors experience a profound sense of belonging. Partners like these help make it possible!
Saturday, May 16 - Sunday, May 17
This month, two national events take place in Holland to support local food access. Action House is grateful to receive both direct food donations and financial support from these events, and we invite you to participate!
The Stamp Out Hunger Food Drive, Saturday, May 16, is led by the National Association of Letter Carriers. Place nonperishable items in your mailbox before 9am on May 16, and postal workers, along with volunteers, will collect the items to distribute to local food access organizations! Sign up as a volunteer to help sort donations here!
The Annual CROP Hunger Walk, Sunday, May 17, is a nationwide movement sponsored by Church World Services (CWS) to raise funds to end hunger and poverty in the U.S. and around the world. Join us at Centennial Park from 1-3pm as a walker, to drop off food donations, or to learn more about local nonprofits working to increase food access!
Our friends at the Holland Sentinel shared an article last month highlighting the Grand Opening of our new northside Resale Store!
FOX 17 recently shared a feature highlighting how critical our Resale Stores are in funding programs that nourish, equip, and empower our neighbors.
Financial Wellness Program Manager, Alicia Beene, went on WHTC in April to celebrate Financial Literacy Month.
Sponsor a signature event like the Farm-to-Food Club Dinner, or CommunityFest to build a stronger, healthier community!
Provide a stable foundation for our service each month.
Volunteer time and talent powers our programs.
Donate gently used items to the Resale Store and get $5 off your next purchase.
Lura Barber, Food Club Network’s Executive Director
Community Action House is proud to be part of the growing Food Club Network, a statewide effort expanding innovative, dignity-centered food access models across Michigan. The network recently named Lura Barber as its founding executive director, bringing experienced leadership to help more communities launch membership-based Food Clubs that combine healthy food access with supportive resources and connection.
Community Action House is one of the organizations helping shape and strengthen this movement, and we’ve seen firsthand how the Food Club model empowers families through choice, dignity, and community partnership. We’re excited to continue collaborating with partners across the state to build stronger, healthier communities! Learn more about the Food Club Network in Rapid Growth Media’s recent article here.
Last year, a team from Gentex Corporation partnered with our Resale Store to help improve efficiency and prepare for future growth. Using their expertise in production processes, the team worked alongside our staff and volunteers to identify ways to streamline donation processing and better coordinate volunteer efforts.
After learning about daily operations, the Gentex volunteers shared practical recommendations to strengthen productivity and maximize the impact of every donated item and volunteer hour. We’re incredibly grateful to the Gentex team for sharing their time, talent, and expertise! Learn more about how Gentex helped us strengthen our Resale operations in The Lakeshore’s recent article here.
Our friends at FOX 17 recently shared a feature about our new northside Resale Store!
In the feature, they emphasize how our new northside location increases accessibility for residents in the northside of Holland. They also highlight how critical our Resale Stores are in funding programs that nourish, equip, and empower our neighbors. Watch the full feature here!
Our friends at WHTC shared an article this morning highlighting the Grand Opening of our new northside Resale Store!
The Grand Opening is this weekend, and we can’t wait to celebrate this new space alongside our community. Learn more by reading WHTC’s article here, and explore ways you can help build a stronger, healthier community when you shop, donate, or volunteer with Resale by visiting communityactionhouse.org/resale.
Dear friends,
I’m excited to share a milestone that so many of you helped make possible: construction on our new Northside Resale Store is complete, and we’re ready to open the doors!
Our first Resale Store has proven what’s possible—turning donated goods and volunteer energy into steady income that directly fuels food, housing connections, and stability for thousands of local families each year. Our second Resale Store will build on that success: equipping neighbors with the essentials they need today, while building financial resilience that ensures we can keep showing up for decades to come.
Our team can’t wait to share this new space with you! You’re invited to join us for our Grand Opening Weekend, when we’ll officially open our doors, and celebrate this big investment in the future of our work.
Where: Community Action House Resale North | 650 Riley Street, Holland, MI 49424
When: Friday, April 17 and Saturday, April 18 | 10:00 AM - 6:00 PM
What to Expect: Stop by during our grand opening weekend to see our new space, shop, and enjoy discounts, giveaways, and more!
Since 1969, Community Action House has become a trusted force for good in our community. Together, we’ve built solutions that are collaborative, sustainable, and designed for long-term impact—and it’s only possible because of the steady generosity of our community. Your support for our Resale Store, as volunteers, donors, and customers, makes this next big step forward possible. Thank you for helping us lay an even stronger foundation for our shared work.
We hope to see you at Resale North this weekend!
With gratitude,
Scott Rumpsa | Chief Executive Officer
P.S. This is a big project, and one that’s only possible because of neighbors like you who continue to believe in our mission. Thanks to many generous donors, we’re already over 85% of the way to the $3M we need to get this important effort across the finish line. If this is the type of project that excites you, we’d love to connect! Learn more here, and let us know if you’d like to meet to discuss this in more detail. It would be our pleasure to share more.
Every purchase stretches your dollar and fuels ours.
Your gently used items get a second life.
Share your time and skills to help keep our stores strong.
Our friends at the Holland Sentinel recently shared an article highlighting the Grand Opening of our new northside Resale Store!
We can’t wait to celebrate this new space alongside our community. Learn more about our Resale North Grand Opening, and how you can help build a stronger, healthier community when you shop, donate, or volunteer with Resale by reading the Holland Sentinel’s article here.
Dear friends,
Since 1969, Community Action House has been there in the make-or-break moments, powered by a community that believes a stronger future is possible when we all show up together. As we share our 2025 Annual Report, we’re reflecting on all of the ways this belief continues to drive our work forward:
Our Food Club & Opportunity Hub served more than 3,900 families in need;
We launched the Food Club Mobile Market to extend healthy food access to more of our neighbors;
Our Outreach team helped 159 unhoused neighbors secure safe, stable housing—the most homeless-to-housed success stories we’ve ever celebrated in a year;
We broke ground on our affordable housing project with Dwelling Place, soon bringing 52 units of urgently needed affordable housing to our community; and
We began construction on our second Resale Store, building the resilient financial foundation we need to power our work for the long run!
Stories like these don’t happen in every community. They happen here because of you. Because of the financial support you entrust to us. Because of over 3,000 volunteers who commit their time and effort to making this work possible.
We show up for those who need it most, building collective action around what unites us: a shared belief that everyone deserves good food, a safe home, and the opportunity to build a stronger future. For 57 years, that’s been who we are. When systems change, when the world feels uncertain, when families turn to us—we are there, as an expression of our community’s compassion. It’s an honor and a privilege to be trusted to do so.
In our report, you’ll find stories from guests who walked alongside our team, read example after example of our community’s compassion, and see just how much our services have grown to meet rising needs. And while our programs have evolved, our purpose remains constant: no neighbor should face hardship alone. Change has shaped our work for more than five decades. We’ve navigated it by adapting as systems shift, staying rooted in our purpose, and doing the next right thing for our community—over and over—supported by neighbors like you.
Everyone deserves a community in their corner. I’m grateful and inspired by your continued belief and trust in our team, our guests, and our vision of a community where all of our neighbors can thrive. Thank you for ensuring that none of our neighbors have to face challenges alone.
Gratefully,
Scott Rumpsa Chief Executive Officer
*Guest names, photos and identifying details have been changed to protect privacy.
Adam* first met our Outreach team in 2024 with one clear goal: to find safe, stable housing. We began by helping him verify his homelessness—an essential first step in applying for housing programs. From there, our team worked alongside him to gather necessary documents and complete housing applications.
Adam applied for apartment after apartment. Although he was employed and had steady income, he didn’t earn enough to meet rental qualifications. He would go to work without a safe place to return to at the end of the day, either sleeping in his car, or staying with friends when he could. Despite doing everything he could to move forward, housing remained out of reach.
The toll of homelessness extended beyond daily uncertainty for Adam. He was living with significant pain and needed surgery, but without stable housing, his doctors could not move forward with the procedure. He found moments of rest and encouragement at our Community Kitchen and Refresh, where warm meals and friendly faces reminded him that he wasn’t alone. Last year when Housing Choice Vouchers became available in our community again, we connected Adam with Good Samaritan to apply. A few weeks later, Adam got the news that he received a voucher!
With a voucher in hand, Adam was approved for an apartment and moved in earlier this year! On move-in day, our team provided items from our Resale Store to transform Adam’s new space into a foundation for future progress. Now thriving in his new home, Adam has become a Food Club member, and with stable housing secured, he was finally able to schedule the surgery he had long postponed. He’s healing, feeling stronger, and heading to work each day with renewed hope.
*Name and photo changed for privacy
Several years ago, Judy* occasionally visited our 14th Street pantry to help support her family. After many years without needing support, her budget suddenly became strained again, and she knew she could turn to Food Club. As a retiree living on a fixed income, her budget was extremely tight—especially as grocery costs continued to rise. Since 2024, Judy has been a Food Club member, accessing the fresh, healthy groceries she needs to thrive!
Through her Food Club membership, Judy began attending Healthy@Home classes, where she found encouragement and connection in a supportive community while learning how to cook fresh, healthy meals at home! And through our Financial Wellness classes, she gained practical tools to budget wisely and save money during retirement.
Reflecting on her experience as a Food Club member, Judy shared, “Coming to Food Club truly brings me joy and eases so much of my stress.” She hopes that one day she won’t need Food Club, but for now she’s grateful for a community that welcomes her with kindness and walks alongside her as she builds a brighter future.
*Name and photo changed for privacy
Last year, our Outreach team met Samuel* while he was living outdoors. At first, he was hesitant to trust our team. But over time, small moments of connection began to build that trust, and he started visiting the Community Kitchen.
Over warm meals and conversation, Samuel opened up to our team and shared that he was a veteran. He was hesitant to get support through the Department of Veterans Affairs, because the process is complex and intimidating. When he visited the Community Kitchen, our team would be there to sit with him as he made calls and completed paperwork, offering steady encouragement along the way. After conversations with the Department of Veterans Affairs, he began the process of applying for a HUD-VASH voucher! This program helps veterans secure stable housing while accessing case management and medical services.
After months of interviews and paperwork, Samuel was approved for a voucher and later secured safe, stable housing! To help him settle in, our team equipped Samuel with a voucher to our Resale Store so he could get home essentials to transform his new space into a warm, welcoming home. Samuel has also become a Food Club member, accessing the fresh, healthy food he needs to thrive.
*Name and photo changed for privacy
Earlier this year, our Financial Wellness team met with a Holland High School finance class to explore the basics of saving, budgeting, and credit! Over the course of two weeks, they visited the classroom four times, guiding students through a real-life mock scenario that examined what it truly takes to be financially stable in our community.
Together, they discussed the importance of building emergency savings, creating realistic budgets, and understanding the risks that can come with credit cards and debt. Students wrestled with real numbers, real expenses, and real decisions—gaining a clearer understanding of how quickly costs add up, and how intentional planning can help prevent a crisis.
April is Financial Literacy Month, and we’re so grateful for opportunities like these to equip the next generation with the financial tools and knowledge they need to thrive. Building financial literacy is key to helping young people feel confident, informed, and empowered as they work toward a strong financial future!
Last month, the Ottawa County Department of Public Health reached out to our team with an urgent need. A local community had lost access to running water and needed immediate supplies. Our Lakeshore Food Rescue team navigates complex challenges like these every day—ensuring surplus food gets to the tables of neighbors who need it most—and we were glad to step in and help in a new way.
Our team quickly mobilized, reaching out to trusted food rescue partners across the community. Several partners stepped up with surplus supplies, allowing us to coordinate the delivery of thousands of essential items to households without running water. Together, we distributed gallons of bottled water, canned food, paper towels, disposable plates and cutlery, sanitizing wipes, and other household essentials so families had what they needed.
The health department knew we could help solve this challenge because coordinating resources, building partnerships, and making sure excess turns into access is what we do every day. Our collaborative approach allows us to respond quickly when needs arise, and we’re grateful to the health department and our food rescue partners for ensuring none of our neighbors had to face this challenge alone.
Construction is complete at our new Resale North location, and we’d love for you to join us to celebrate!
Where: Community Action House Resale North | 650 Riley Street, Holland, MI 49424
When: Friday, April 17 and Saturday, April 18 | 10:00 AM - 6:00 PM
What to Expect: Stop by during our grand opening weekend to check out our new space, shop, and enjoy discounts, prizes, giveaways, and more!
Thank you, Haworth, for sponsoring Resale North’s Grand Opening Weekend!
As we launch our new Northside location, Resale South is temporarily closed for renovations, with a grand reopening planned for August! Stay tuned for details.
You can still donate! Drop off your gently used items Monday-Friday at Resale North (650 Riley Street). Your donations will help us stock the shelves ahead of our grand opening this month!
This is a big project, and one that’s only possible because of neighbors like you who continue to believe in our mission. Thanks to many generous donors, we’ve already received over $2.2M in commitments—nearly 78% of the way to the $3M we need to make this important effort a reality. Our capital campaign is ongoing, so if this is the type of project that excites you, we’d love to connect! Learn more here, and let us know if you’d like to meet to discuss this in more detail. It would be our pleasure to share more.
We’re incredibly grateful for our team of volunteers who turn their compassion into action to nourish, equip, and empower our neighbors! Last year, 3,024+ volunteers chose to serve with us, logging over 62,323 hours of donated time—what an amazing expression of care for our neighbors! Read stories from some of our volunteers about why they choose to dedicate their time and talents to building a stronger, healthier community.
All of our work is made possible by volunteers. Help us build a community where all our neighbors have what they need to thrive, and join our team of dedicated volunteers!
Register here for Action House's 23rd annual Golf Classic, presented by Bradford! Get together a group of four friends or colleagues and enjoy a great day of golf and new connections while supporting Action House programs.
Thursday, June 11, 2026
The Ravines Golf Club | 3520 Palmer Dr, Saugatuck, MI 49453
AM Session: 8 AM - 1PM | PM Session: 1:30 PM - 6:30 PM
Saturday, April 18 | 10:00am-3:00pm
Nelis’ Dutch Village | 12350 James St, Holland, MI 49424
Visit Dutch Village on their Opening Day and bring along non-perishable items for their food drive supporting Community Action House!
All food drive participants will receive a free admission pass that can be used that day, or any day in 2026. Or your pass can be redeemed that day only for a dollar-for-dollar discount on a Season Pass!
In February, our friends at the Holland Sentinel shared a piece with an update about our Community Kitchen.
Action House's second Resale Store on the northside of Holland is on track to open this spring!
Last month, James Smead, Director of Resale Operations joined to share an update on the new Northside Store.
Sponsor a signature event like the Farm-to-Food Club Dinner, or CommunityFest to build a stronger, healthier community!
Provide a stable foundation for our service each month.
Volunteer time and talent powers our programs.
Donate gently used items to the Resale Store and get $5 off your next purchase.
Every day, our programs are powered by the dedication and generosity of incredible volunteers. As a community-funded, volunteer-powered nonprofit, we are what our community chooses to do together. We’re so grateful to all the volunteers across our programs who choose to dedicate their time and talent to building a stronger, healthier community!
Volunteer compassion makes it possible for neighbors to receive the healthy food, resource connection, and financial empowerment they need to thrive. Thank you for helping us nourish, equip, and empower our neighbors!
*One hour is independently estimated at a value of $34.79.
Our programs are growing, and we need more volunteers to show up for our neighbors!
Everyone say hi to Lisa—one of our incredible Resale Store volunteers! After retiring, Lisa was looking for a way to give back and found Community Action House. She explored a few volunteer roles, but the moment she stepped into the Resale Store, she knew she had found her place.
Now a regular stocker, Lisa is so grateful for the community she has built with staff and fellow volunteers! She also interacts with guests regularly, giving her a firsthand look at the impact volunteering makes for our neighbors.
If you are interested in volunteering Lisa says, “Try out the different areas and see what is best for you!” Outside of volunteering, you can find Lisa gardening, spending time with friends, and learning how to watercolor paint! Thank you, Lisa, for bringing your heart and your helping hands to Community Action House. We’re so grateful for you!
Thou has volunteered with Community Action House since Food Club opened in 2021. After retiring, she was looking for a way to help the community that had supported her so well, and decided to become a volunteer! Thou does a little bit of everything at Action House—from stocking the shelves in Food Club, to gleaning with Lakeshore Food Rescue, to serving at the Community Kitchen!
Not only is she involved with our programs, but she also volunteers with our partners at I AM Academy twice a week for their Mobile Food Pantry! At the end of the day, Thou loves to volunteer because she loves to help those who need a helping hand. She is grateful to be a part of Action House and values playing a part to help our community. Thank you, Thou, for the many ways you show up for our team and our guests!
After spending years working in the nonprofit world, Mike knows just how important volunteers are for keeping things running! So when he retired, he decided to become one himself! Now, Mike regularly volunteers with our Logistics Team, driving out to Hudsonville and Jenison to pick up some of our larger food rescues.
Even with his background, volunteering opened Mike’s eyes to just how much need in our community has grown. And with those growing needs comes an even greater demand for volunteers to help sustain the vital services that organizations like Action House provide.
As an Action House volunteer, Mike has found a new sense of community. He values the camaraderie shared between staff and volunteers, and has formed friendships that he knows will last. Thank you, Mike, for your dedication, generosity, and being part of our community here at Action House!
Jacqueline’s journey with us began when she became a Food Club member after moving to Holland with her family. During one of her shopping trips, she noticed we were looking for volunteers—and didn’t hesitate to sign up! Since then, Jacqueline has become a vital part of our team, serving as a volunteer cashier and lending her talents to events like CommunityFest this past fall.
One moment that stands out to Jacqueline is when she was helping a member at checkout. She explained how the Food Club’s point system works, and the guest was thrilled to discover how much more accessible fresh fruits and vegetables are here compared to a traditional grocery store.
For Jacqueline, volunteering is about more than just giving her time. “I always come back to volunteer because I feel the need to give back to the community, to help others, and I always feel welcome and appreciated,” she shares. We are so grateful for Jacqueline’s dedication to our mission and her generosity of spirit. Thank you, Jacqueline, for everything you do to nourish, equip, and empower our neighbors!
Meet John, a dedicated member of our Community Kitchen crew! John first connected with Community Action House through HASP (Holland Area Senior Professionals) after hearing a presentation about our work. Inspired by our mission to build a stronger, healthier community, he began volunteering at our 14th Street food pantry. Once Food Club opened, he made the switch to Community Kitchen, drawn by both the convenience and the opportunity to serve delicious meals with a welcoming smile.
Now, John and his wife volunteer every Wednesday. Serving meals each week, John has gotten to know many of our guests, and sees firsthand the positive impact it makes when guests begin working alongside our Outreach team. Many of our guests want to become volunteers themselves to lend a helping hand!
John continues to show up because of the relationships he has built with not only the staff, but the guests as well. He feels truly appreciated! Thank you John, for making the Kitchen a place where guests find not just a meal, but a sense of belonging!
Earlier this year, our Financial Wellness team spent the day at Bridget’s House, an organization in Allendale that supports women and children experiencing housing instability. This visit marked the beginning of a collaborative effort to provide tailored, one-on-one financial guidance to each family living there. From reviewing credit reports to developing custom debt repayment plans, we worked side-by-side with residents to lay the groundwork for long-term financial progress.
When Sharon* sat down with our team, we uncovered a tax issue that was preventing her from receiving critical tax credits. We connected her with our Volunteer Income Tax Assistance program, where she got the support she needed to identify the issue, gather documents, and complete the paperwork needed. With these steps taken, Sharon will soon have access to tax credits again—giving her the financial cushion she needs to catch her breath and begin taking steps toward a stronger financial future.
Going forward, our Financial Wellness team will be a continued resource for residents and a welcoming partner for new guests at Bridget’s House. We’re so grateful to collaborate with partners like Bridget’s House to ensure all our neighbors have access to the tools and support needed to build a stronger financial future!
*Name and photo changed for privacy
This International Women’s Month, we’re proud to celebrate the strength and resilience of women and families in our community! Thanks to the national nonprofit PERIOD., our Food Club was recently stocked with free menstrual care kits. Their volunteers helped pack and donate hundreds of kits, helping to meet a critical but often overlooked need. Period products can be expensive, and when families have to choose between groceries and personal care, groceries often take priority. These kits will help provide more neighbors with the dignified access to essentials they need to thrive!
When our neighbors have what they need to feel confident and cared for they’re better equipped to focus on building a brighter future. Throughout March, we’re collecting personal care items to help ensure all of our neighbors have the essentials they need. Drop off donations at Food Club or our Resale Store and be part of building a stronger, healthier community!
When our Outreach team first met Don at Refresh, he was living outdoors, facing what felt like an impossible list of barriers. At Refresh, he began working one-on-one with our team to secure steady income, gather the documents needed to pursue housing, and connect with our partners at Community Mental Health. Through that partnership, Don qualified for a permanent supportive housing voucher! This type of voucher helps neighbors who need additional support maintain stable housing. Participants contribute a portion of their income toward rent, and the voucher covers the remaining cost. Don also worked with our VITA team to file his taxes—one more step in strengthening the financial foundation that would support his move into housing.
After working through applications with our team, Don was approved for housing with his voucher! In October our team helped furnish his new home with items from our Resale Store and connected him to Food Club so he could access the fresh, healthy food he needs to thrive. Today, Don still visits Refresh from time to time. What was once a place of urgent need is now simply part of his community where he finds familiar faces and steady encouragement. With a safe home and support network, Don has rediscovered his love for hiking and biking, knowing he’ll always have a safe, warm place to return to at the end of the day.
Last month Krista Burgett, Senior Manager of Food Partnerships, shared her expertise at the GVSU Food Connections Summit! This summit brings together local farmers, businesses, students, and organizations to strengthen partnerships and explore solutions for a more sustainable food economy. During her presentation, Krista explained how redirecting surplus food keeps good food out of landfills, reduces harmful environmental impact, and strengthens regional collaboration to turn excess food into food access. We’re so grateful for opportunities to lead in conversations like these and to champion solutions that nourish our neighbors and protect our planet.
With Global Recycling Day coming up on March 18, we’re reminded that recycling goes beyond paper and plastic. Food can (and should!) be recycled too. Through Lakeshore Food Rescue, surplus food that would otherwise go to waste is redirected to neighbors who need it most. In 2025 alone, our Lakeshore Food Rescue program rescued more than 3.1 million pounds of food!
Last month, we gathered to celebrate the Community Kitchen’s final day of service at Western Theological Seminary. Guests, volunteers, and staff were welcomed with a celebratory buffet featuring grilled steak, roasted veggies, strawberry french toast, and more. The room was filled with laughter and stories as neighbors reflected on the friendships formed and hope restored around those tables!
Looking ahead, we’re excited for the Community Kitchen’s next chapter—one rooted in collaboration, and the hope of providing more integrated support for our neighbors. The Community Kitchen is now serving meals at First United Methodist Church and will move again this spring to a newly renovated space at the Salvation Army. We’re deeply grateful for the decades of partnership with Western Theological Seminary and for the many community partners including FUMC, the Salvation Army, and so many others who walk alongside us in building a place of hospitality and care for our neighbors.
Construction is moving along at our second Resale Store on the Northside, on track to open in April! Built from neighbors, for neighbors, every donation, sale, and volunteer shift at our Resale Stores fuels programs that build a stronger, healthier community.
Ready to kick off your spring cleaning? Donate to Resale! Clear out those closets, gather gently used items, and bring them our way, or host a Resale donation drive!
Resale donations also equip neighbors like Allison with the essentials needed to build a brighter future: earlier this year, a sudden crisis left Allison* without a safe, stable place to call home. As a Food Club member, she knew she could turn to our team for support. Together, we gathered essential documents, navigated job applications, and our team provided a Resale Store voucher to ensure she had clothing for interviews. Soon after, Allison shared excitedly with our team that she had found a job!
Still, stable housing remained out of reach. When a housing application was denied due to an old utility bill, our team helped Allison appeal the decision—submitting proof of payment and letters of recommendation to strengthen her case. With that added support, her application was approved, and Allison moved into a safe, stable home! Today, Allison continues to access fresh, healthy food through Food Club and is working with our Financial Wellness team to build a budget and strengthen her savings.
*Name changed for privacy
Last month, we welcomed 9 neighbors for a Healthy@Home class in collaboration with our Financial Wellness team! At Action House, we know that healthy eating doesn’t happen in isolation. It’s connected to financial stability, access to resources, and the confidence to plan ahead. When neighbors have the tools to manage both their food and their finances, they’re better equipped to build lasting stability.
During the class, guests learned practical strategies for planning weekly menus, building cost-effective grocery lists, and reducing food waste while preparing and tasting a homemade pasta sauce recipe. By combining nutrition education with financial tools, neighbors left equipped with simple, actionable steps to support both their health and their household budgets.
March is National Nutrition Month! It's a great reminder that nourishing your body with healthy food and staying active can boost your energy, support your health, and help you feel your best. Even small changes can make a big difference! Looking for a fun way to celebrate? Join us for a Healthy@Home class this month!
Register here for Action House's 23rd annual Golf Classic, presented by Bradford! Get together a group of four friends or colleagues and enjoy a great day of golf and new connections while supporting Action House programs.
Thursday, June 11, 2026
The Ravines Golf Club | 3520 Palmer Dr, Saugatuck, MI 49453
AM Session: 8 AM - 1PM | PM Session: 1:30 PM - 6:30 PM
On Wednesday, March 18, Noble Twist Taphouse is hosting a Give Back Tap to support Community Action House. Stop by from 4-9pm to support Action House programs that nourish, equip, and empower our neighbors!
Join Holland Christian’s Living Hope Singers on March 13 and 14 at 7:00pm and celebrate the iconic songs of the ’70s through their Vintage Vibes Showcase! $1 of every ticket sold will support Action House programs that build a stronger, healthier community.
February marks the one year anniversary of our partnership with Herrick Library North!
Action House's second Resale Store on the northside of Holland is on track to open this spring!
Last month, two members of our Development team joined WHTC to share ways to get involved with Action House.
Sponsor an event like the Golf Classic, VolBASH, or CommunityFest to build a stronger, healthier community!
Provide a stable foundation for our service each month.
Volunteer time and talent powers our programs.
Donate gently used items to the Resale Store and get $5 off your next purchase.
In February, our friends at the Holland Sentinel shared a piece with an update about our Community Kitchen.
We’re optimistic and excited for the Community Kitchen’s next chapter—one rooted in collaboration, and the hope of providing even greater support for our neighbors. Learn more about the Community Kitchen’s next chapter and read their full article here.
Dear friends,
For more than 32 years, the Community Kitchen has been a community pillar. Co-founded by Action House and Western Theological Seminary, and powered by hundreds of volunteers, the Community Kitchen provides healthy meals, a welcoming space, and connections that help our neighbors move forward.
Last year, we shared that we had begun seeking a new home for a second chapter of the Community Kitchen. We’re excited to announce that the Salvation Army will be our new host for the program! Over the past year, we’ve worked alongside local partners to prepare for a strong next chapter of service:
Through community wide planning efforts, a key takeaway was the urgent need for an integrated service hub—where guests can access many different services in one location.
As part of this effort, the Salvation Army will become the new host of the Community Kitchen, using their commercial kitchen, dining room, and other spaces, and with future dreams to bring other partners onsite to serve our neighbors even better.
The Salvation Army has already contracted with Midwest Construction to enhance their space for this level of service. These extensive renovations are slated to begin in the next few weeks, with a quick construction timeline set to complete this April. As soon as this space is ready, we’re excited to open the doors for this next chapter of Community Kitchen service in our new permanent home at the Salvation Army!
As we prepare for our permanent move, the Community Kitchen will temporarily serve at First United Methodist Church (FUMC). As close partners through the Refresh program, FUMC is a familiar space, and a trusted partner, for both our team and many of our guests. We’re grateful for their generosity.
We’re optimistic and excited for the Community Kitchen’s next chapter—one rooted in collaboration, and the hope of providing even greater support for our neighbors. We’re grateful for the decades of shared service that the Seminary has undertaken with us and our community. We’re incredibly thankful to be in a community with so many partners, like Western Theological Seminary, First United Methodist, the Salvation Army, and so many others, who work alongside us.
Through this season of change, we know that the heart of the Community Kitchen isn’t tied to one building—it’s a reflection of our community’s warmth, hospitality, consistency, and care for our neighbors.
The Community Kitchen has an incredible network of support that believes in this work. In whichever way you may have supported our work over the years—as a volunteer, donor, or advocate—thank you for being a part of our legacy of compassionate, welcoming, and impactful services, and for standing with us as we move into what’s next. You are an essential part of the coming chapter of our work and impact.
Gratefully,
Scott Rumpsa | CEO
P.S. If you’re looking for ways to show up for our team and our neighbors through this transition, we welcome your continued support through volunteerism, food donations, and financial support! Your generosity helps sustain our service as we explore what’s next.
One year ago this month, we began our partnership with Herrick Library North! Every Friday from 9am to 1pm, our team is onsite to connect with visitors, identify barriers, and connect them to tools and resources in our community.
Over the past year, our team met with 24 guests, offering a range of support through our Resource Navigation services—providing school related resources, support enrolling in benefits, help with housing searches, connections to utility and rental assistance, and more.
Having a consistent location on the northside has made it easier for neighbors with transportation barriers to meet with our team. We’re able to offer bilingual service, making it possible for more families to find the resources they need for stability.
We’re so grateful for our partners at Herrick District Library, and their commitment to collaboration! They continue to explore new ways to provide the best support for our community. Read more in the Holland Sentinel about all of the resources HDL offers, including their partnership with our team:
https://www.hollandsentinel.com/story/news/local/2026/02/06/heres-everything-you-can-do-with-a-card-at-herrick-district-library/88404803007
Valdemar first connected with our team in 2023 while navigating the challenges of homelessness. Despite not having a stable place to call home, Valdemar remained deeply connected to his faith community—regularly playing in his church band and finding meaning and support among friends there. Our team helped him apply for housing, but due to his limited income, he was denied.
Valdemar regularly visited the Community Kitchen, where he found both nourishment and encouragement as he worked toward finding housing. When housing vouchers became available last year, our team helped him apply. But with only 14 vouchers being offered, and far more neighbors than that needing one to qualify for housing, the chances of receiving one were slim.
A few weeks after applying, Valdemar came to the Community Kitchen with a voicemail, and listening to it alongside our team, learned that he had received the voucher! With a voucher in hand, Valdemar was approved for an apartment and moved in earlier this year! On move-in day, our Logistics team delivered furniture, dishes, and other essentials from our Resale Store, transforming Valdemar’s new space into a home and a foundation for future progress.
After moving into his new home, Valdemar shared how grateful he feels to finally have a stable place to call home. With this peace of mind, he’s able to focus on what brings him joy: playing music and connecting with community through his church.
When Gretel* found a new job in 2024, she was proud to be working again—but it also meant she no longer qualified for other food support options. Still managing a tight budget and committed to keeping her family healthy, she was relieved to learn about Food Club.
Because Gretel and her daughter are both managing diabetes, food choices matter deeply for them. At Food Club, they find the fresh, healthy options they need to thrive! With dignity and flexibility, they’re able to choose the foods at Food Club that support their specific needs.
Reflecting on her experience as a Food Club member, Gretel shared, “Food Club is a definite life saver! We’re able to have more options for healthier meals by being able to shop with Food Club.”
*Name and photo changed for privacy
Last year, an unexpected crisis left Taylor* without a safe, stable place to call home. She never imagined she would experience homelessness, but one emergency was all it took to put stability out of reach. As a previous Food Club member, Taylor knew she could turn to our team for support.
When she reached out to us, Taylor had already begun taking bold steps toward stability. She was actively submitting housing applications, determined to move forward. But even with a steady job, the low rental vacancy rate in Ottawa County, coupled with rising costs made finding affordable housing incredibly challenging. Throughout her journey, our team walked alongside her, offering encouragement and guidance each step of the way.
After months of applying, Taylor was pulled off a housing waitlist and finally had a safe, stable place to call home! Since moving in, Taylor has become a Food Club member again, where she now has consistent access to the fresh, healthy food she needs to thrive. And she’s eager to begin partnering with our Financial Wellness team to create a budget, strengthen her savings, and plan confidently for the road ahead. With a safe place to call home and support systems in place, Taylor is moving forward with hope.
*Name and photo changed for privacy
In 2023, Ashley* came to Community Action House in the middle of a crisis. Facing homelessness and struggling to secure housing due to limited income, she turned to our Financial Wellness team for support. Through personalized, one-on-one partnership, Ashley was able to find safe, stable housing and begin taking steps toward a stronger financial future!
Since 2023, Ashley has continued to stay connected with our Financial Wellness team. Each year, she returns to update her lease paperwork, and this tax season, she plans to file through our free VITA (Volunteer Income Tax Assistance) program. Like many of our guests, Ashley’s experience shows that financial empowerment is rooted in relationships. When neighbors know they can return for support without barriers or judgment, they’re empowered to take the next step—whether that’s staying housed, building savings, or confidently planning for a stronger financial future.
*Name and photo changed for privacy
Each year, a local egg farm takes action to turn excess food into food access! When they start a new flock, they’re left with thousands of smaller-sized eggs that don’t meet retail sizing standards. But instead of discarding them, they reach out to our Lakeshore Food Rescue team to get those eggs to our neighbors who need them most.
Over the winter, this egg farm donated over 250,000 eggs! Stepping in to coordinate, our Lakeshore Food Rescue team helped distribute this generous donation to our Food Club, Community Kitchen, and over a dozen community partners. As egg prices remain high and family budgets are stretched thin, this donation will ensure that thousands of families in our community have affordable access to eggs!
We’re so grateful to this partner for their incredible donation, and for choosing to turn food that could have been wasted into nourishment and connection instead. Together, we’re building a stronger, healthier community!
Construction is officially underway on our second Resale Store on the northside of Holland, on track to open this spring!
Our first Resale Store has proven what’s possible—transforming donated goods and volunteer energy into steady income that fuels food, housing connections, and stability for thousands of families each year. Now, we’re building on that success. Built from neighbors, for neighbors, every donation, sale, and volunteer shift helps ensure we can continue to nourish, equip, and empower our community for the long run.
This project is also about the impact that families can feel right away. It equips families like Rick* and Amelia’s* with the home essentials they need to build a brighter future:
After losing their housing, Rick and Amelia connected with our Outreach Team, determined to find safe, stable housing for their family. With support from our team, they secured the documents needed to apply for housing, found employment, and began working alongside another local agency to secure a housing voucher.
After months of housing applications and paperwork, their family was finally approved for an apartment with their voucher! On move in day, our Logistics team delivered furniture, dishes, and other essentials from our Resale Store—turning their new space into a safe home, and a foundation for their family to build further progress.
*Names and photo changed for privacy
This month, we’re proud to celebrate the seventh anniversary of Refresh: Hygiene & Hope, our partnership program with First United Methodist Church. In 2019, FUMC made a bold commitment to hospitality by opening their doors to neighbors experiencing homelessness, offering essential services like showers, clothing, meals, and more.
We’re honored to support this effort by providing on-site, housing-focused case management for neighbors—showing how a warm welcome can open the door to deeper connection and lasting change.
Through our community’s support, since opening, Refresh has been able to:
Equip our neighbors with the tools and knowledge needed to build toward stability through 8,292 housing-focused case management meetings.
Build connection and community through 59,174 visits.
Provide 16,056 showers and 1,672 haircuts, helping neighbors maintain dignity and hope.
Behind each of these numbers are real people with real stories. Neighbors like Thomas and Maya, who connected with our team at Refresh and found the support they needed to build a brighter future. We’re so grateful to FUMC for leading this program, and for helping us build a community where none of our neighbors face challenges alone.
Because of your support, Community Action House has been nominated for the Best Nonprofit and Best Thrift Store in the 2025 Community Choice Awards.
Between now and February 16, you can vote once per day to support Community Action House!
At Community Action House, food is our love language. For neighbors like Lillian, a healthy meal is often the very first connection to a community that cares—and it’s a connection that lays the essential groundwork for housing stability, financial progress, and a stronger future.
Food brings us together, but your partnership is what moves us forward. We are stronger when we work together to ensure every neighbor has the foundation they need to thrive.
This Valentine’s Day, you can turn love into action, and have your support go twice as far. Thanks to a generous match from Koop & Burr Insurance Co., every dollar you give can be DOUBLED—up to $10,000!
The Kollen Park Housing Development, created in collaboration with Action House, church land, and tribal partnership, is an example of how communities can address housing challenges together.
Community Action House's second Resale Store on the northside of Holland is on track to open this spring! Neighbors can help them start off strong by donating items, hosting a donation drive, shopping, and volunteering.
Community Action House CEO Scott Rumpsa joined to reflect on Action House’s impact in 2025 and share upcoming plans for the new year.
Sponsor a signature event like the Annual Golf Classic, VolBASH, the Farm-to-Food Club Dinner, or CommunityFest to build a stronger, healthier community!
Provide a stable foundation for our service each month.
Volunteer time and talent powers our programs.
Donate gently used items to the Resale Store and get $5 off your next purchase.
Community Action House's second Resale Store on the northside of Holland is on track to open this spring! As we approach our grand opening, you can help us start strong by:
Donating – Your gently used items get a second life—providing essentials for neighbors and generating the funding that keeps our programs strong.
Shopping – Every purchase stretches your dollar and fuels ours.
Volunteering – Share your time and skills to help keep our stores running strong. Sign up through our Resale North interest form to help us open the store then keep it running, and/or become a volunteer at our current Resale Store!
Watch the full segment on FOX 17 here.
Dear friends,
We have big news to share: construction has begun on our second Resale Store on the northside of Holland, on track to open this spring!
Since 1969, Community Action House has been here to ensure that none of our neighbors face challenges alone. Our first Resale Store has proven what’s possible—transforming donated goods and volunteer energy into steady income that directly fuels food, housing connections, and stability for thousands of local families each year.
Now, as we prepare to open our northside Resale Store, we’re building on that success. In recent years, the need for our services has grown dramatically—and we’ve scaled to meet it. This expansion is about building the solid financial foundation that makes this level of service resilient. Every donation dropped off, every item sold, and every hour volunteered helps ensure that we can continue to nourish, equip, and empower our neighbors, for the long run.
And, this project is also about impact that families can feel right away. Via member discounts and our voucher programs, our Resale plays a tangible role in helping the families we serve move forward with dignity.
A child starting school with confidence in new clothes.
A parent stepping into a new job equipped with the clothing and essentials they need to succeed.
A family moving into housing with furniture and supplies to turn it into a home.
This is a big project, and one that’s only possible because of neighbors like you who continue to believe in our mission. Thanks to many generous donors, we’ve already received over $2.2M in commitments—nearly 75% of the way to the $3M we need to make this important effort a reality. Our capital campaign is ongoing - so if this is the type of project that excites you, we’d love to connect! Learn more here, and let us know if you’d like to meet to discuss this in more detail. It would be our pleasure to share more.
As we approach our grand opening, you can help us start strong by:
Donating – Your gently used items get a second life—providing essentials for neighbors and generating the funding that keeps our programs strong.
Shopping – Every purchase stretches your dollar and fuels ours.
Volunteering – Share your time and skills to help keep our stores running strong. Sign up through our Resale North interest form to help us open the store then keep it running, and/or become a volunteer at our current Resale Store!
Over the past 50 years, Community Action House has become a trusted force for good in our community—not just through what we do, but how we do it. Together, we’ve built solutions that are collaborative, sustainable, and designed for long-term impact. This Resale Store expansion makes a difference for neighbors today, while building the financial resilience that ensures we can keep showing up for decades to come—and it’s only possible because of the steady generosity of our community. Thank you for showing up.
Together, we can lay an even stronger foundation for our shared work.
With gratitude,
Scott Rumpsa | CEO
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